CS meets Senate Committee on Land Environment and Natural Resources on the Water Amendment Bill

The Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Hon. Zachariah Njeru accompanied by the Principal Secretary State Department for Water and Sanitation Julius Korir CBS, appeared before the above mentioned committee to respond to summons raised by WASREB, Council of Governors, and Kenya Association of Manufacturers on some clauses to be introduced in the Water Act 2016 together with the Public Private Partnership Act 2021.

After fruitful engagement with the Hon. Senators of the committee, resolutions were arrived at to involve the County government as water is a devolved function. Relevant clauses were discussed with a view to involve all parties’ concerns.

Non Revenue Water levels in the country was a major topic that honorable Senators sought to find an everlasting solution in order for the utilities to ring fence revenue collection and repay outstanding debts and obligations. Water Service Providers are supposed to use smart technology in metering water distribution to consumers.It was also suggested that sewerage tariffs be separated from water tariffs and include counties in the provision of bulk water supply.

The senators present included Sen. John Methu (chair),
Sen. Dr Lelegwe ltumbesi (vice chair),
Sen. Beatrice Ogolla,
Sen. Wahome wamatinga
and Sen. Agnes Kavindu.

While making his closing remarks to the Committee, CS Njeru stated that the bill means well to all stakeholders and it will ultimately make utilities raise their revenue base thereby empowering them.

The Chair of the Senate committee thanked the CS and team for honoring the invitation to attend as the committee is bipartisan and handles issues in a credible manner. The chair wished the CS well in the Ministry together with the PS.

CS Zachariah Njeru
was flanked by the Water Secretary Eng SAO Alima EBS, Secretary Administration Mr.Stephen K. Kihara and Ministry’s Legal Advisor Ms Rose A. Nyakwana.